I am starting to realise I have a split personality!!
I had always suspected it but now in trying to set up my new home it has been revealed all the more ... and there's just no escaping it.
The kitchen has been just one of the major eye openers in this realisation. I swing, on an almost daily basis between wanting clean lines and modern but with a country, retro twist, to wanting completely rustic with mis-matched everything and clutter all around me. I mean to start with I don't know if I even want to change the kitchen or just put my own slant on what is already there. That would definitely be the cheaper option, but what if what is there is not in brilliant condition, then I will have to make a decision as there will be no space to have a new kitchen fitted once I am living there, I mean it's only six foot wide and is directly off the front door.
To try and work out a way forward and plant some more inspiration in my head I Googled 'Modern, Minimalist Kitchens' and picked my favourites, the top photo was one of those that came up and was chosen ...
... and this one.
Now a plate rack, although with less slots would be a very good idea above the sink.
Then I Googled 'Cluttered Country Kitchens'. At first this one came up, which is not cluttered at all in my opinion, just open shelving and glorious stone walls.
Scrolling further down the page this one came up ...
Haha ... nope, I'm moving away from this particular one 😄
Then I Googled simply 'Cluttered Kitchens' and just got a page of something that looked like it came off a hoarding show ... most definitely not the way forward.
So what do I like:
I like clean lines ... and battered edges.
I like white ... and a riotous patchwork of colour.
I like easy cleaning ... and wood and stone with nooks and crannies.
I like airy and bright ... and cosy and subdued.
I like clear space ... and I like my things all around me.
I hope in one way that the kitchen is in such good condition, that to rip it out and start again would be a crime, but I remember doors slightly askew, a missing oven and wasted space in a tiny area. I only need to hold my patience for just under two weeks and I will have my keys. Then my mind will have to be made up and choices will have to be made.
The 'soon to be mine' kitchen as it was on viewing day.
But for now I am most definintely in two minds about most things 😄😬
Sue xx
Good luck!
ReplyDeleteMy two personalities say THANK YOU ;-)
DeleteOh dear, now that will make things more difficult.
ReplyDeleteI guess by thinking things through over the last couple of weeks though I have at least stopped myself making a huge mistake and then living to regret it.
DeleteThe kitchen in the first photo is gorgeous and just my cup of tea! I've had to have a modern kitchen with clean lines in the new house and I've minimised clutter by shutting it all away in the few cupboards we have simply because I hate dust to accumulate in hard to reach areas. I'm not a fan of exposed stonework inside either as I imagine it to gather dust too.
ReplyDeleteNow the last but one photo suits you perfectly! ;) Enjoy planning!
I think two or three weeks space is probably a good idea - gives you time to think about it.
ReplyDeleteHaving photos to evaluate options is always a great idea. You seem to describe a preference for rustic modern. Some clean lines with rustic touches. Very doable. Shelving often is the answer to having your favorite things nearby. This also warms up the room. Cozy.
ReplyDeleteYes all my previous kitchens have ended up with shelves for my jars. My one regret when I left my first husband taking nothing but my clothes and books (and cats and son of course) was leaving behind the two lovely shelves and their brackets in the kitchen ... made even worse when he moved his girlfriend in and she threw out the whole kitchen .... haha.
DeleteThis new kitchen will exceed all others, I have no doubt. You'll have exactly what you want and it will be beautiful.
DeleteI like going into other peoples country kitchens with dresser and mis matched bits and bobs and everything on show But wouldn't want to work in one as I also like at least one big area of empty worktop.
ReplyDeleteLooking at those above the first is my favourite.
Have fun choosing and deciding.
That's the one thing I'm a bit worried about, there is not a good expanse of worktop for breadmaking etc that I can leave clear just for that purpose. I will have to get used to keeping the worktop as clear as I can. The top photos is good but I think the second with the expanse of shelf space appeals to me a bit more after thinking about it, as I could clutter it up and then pare it back down if I felt the urge.
DeleteNo. 3 is definitely me! NOT what I have here, which is more traditional, but we have our big antique oak settle and the elm table my husband made at the other end, and my wee Dairy table for the flour and big storage jars, and my china collections. The falling-apart kitchen units HAVE to go soonest though and a larger oven which works properly (not cooking 25 deg hotter than it is set!)
ReplyDeleteI think Google Cottage kitchens . . .
I wonder what look you will end up with? Will you change that punchy turquoise blue? If you changed that kitchen you could always offer it on eBay so if someone is looking to do theirs up cheaply, then you wouldn't feel guilty.
I think number three is the 'hobbit me', something I absolutely love but that would be totally impractical. It sounds as though you have lots of space to play with in your new kitchen.
DeleteNo, I am not going to keep the turquoise, although lovely it's just too bright for me. It's a shame it's in my little home as Alan loves it, but unfortunately his place is all white and ultra modern ... except for the room destined to become the business office which is as pink as pink as can be, and a deep shade of Barbie Pink at that. Both colours will take a lot of covering over, but I am going back to my favourite soft green as the accent colour for the whole annexe.
My daughter has pondered for almost two years and took the plunge just as Boris announced lockdown. Thank heavens we have had some good workman we have used for years an they have helped. We built the units and hubby fitted them. Its almost done and we can visibly see the relief in her face. Its been hard with no hob cooker or sink at times but the small space has been well planned and everything she needs. Sometimes you just have to see how you adapt to a place before you do anything. I'm sure you'll have lots of plans once the keys are yours. Good Luck with it all.
ReplyDeleteOh I bet she is so glad that the work is almost done now. It's good in one way having work done as you do appreciate everything that you have once you're back to cookers, sinks and storage don't you.
DeleteMy older son rented a lovely little cottage a couple of years ago which was owned by a guy in the caravan design business, his tiny kitchen was a wonder to behold. All done in top of the range units, individually tailored to fit in every nook and cranny. Not a bit of space was wasted.
Wow, that's a right mixture of styles, Sue! I love 1 and 3....4 is nice too (fancy seeing your own kitchen on google!). Good luck with making your mind up....
ReplyDeleteOh there are so many of my blog photos on Google, I am always stumbling over them ... haha. I think I have outgrown number 4, too much cleaning far too often with the Aga being right next to the shelves. But handy for reaching everything for sure. I have also gone off that shade of green, but it lasted me over seven years so it can't be bad.
DeleteI'm definitely the rustic, mismatched type. I love the third photo!
ReplyDeleteHave fun deciding. xxx
I love the colours of your home and the patchwork. Yes that third photo is pretty special isn't it ... if only I had stone walls, but my new home used to be a garage so it's just boring brick under the plaster.
DeleteIf the kitchen layout suits you and the units are solid, then replacement doors are always an option. Good luck with the move. x
ReplyDeleteI think the layout just has to suit, as you can see in the photo there is no way I can change that really. New doors could be an option, as you say if the carcasses are nice and solid ... see now you've planted a whole new seed in my head. Thank you.
DeleteI like 1 and 3. The style here in the U.S. seems to be all white. I watch a lot of home decorating shows and they all look the same. Very clean lines and mid modern century. I like the warmth of the wood beams in number 1 and the cabinet and old walls in number 3. I'm looking forward to seeing what you decide on. Jo in Wisconsin. p.s. I'm so happy you're back.
ReplyDeleteYes 1 and 3 are my favourites. I think I really do have to bring some rusticity into the mix to go along with the few pieces of furniture that are coming with me.
DeleteI have this struggle with myself all the time but the top two photos do it for me - just a few statement bits and pieces. My new kitchen is all grey even the flooring as I wanted it to be a calming place. Good luck with your choice.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, I can't have just a few statement bits, unless of course they are items I use all the time as I have really limited storage space in this kitchen. If I had kitchen 1, the top shelf would have to be full of all my food storage jars ... now that would spoil the clean lines a bit ... haha.
DeleteAs you can see all my flooring is giant white glossy tiles, I need to make quite a few rug purchases or get Suky some little rubber slippers!!
You will know when you see it, I bet. I wouldn't want a plate rack as I would worry about dusting it! And I wouldn't want all white as I would worry about keeping it clean! (I think that proves I am a lazy cleaner!) We each see good and bad depending on our past experiences, don't we?!
ReplyDeleteOh the plate rack would be in daily use, draining the plates over the sink so hopefully wouldn't get too dusty. As you can see from the photo of my kitchen, the sink does not have a draining board.
DeleteI think having had so many kitchens in the past ... good and bad as you say ... I am even more determined to make this one the one that is truly 'mine'.
Oh and I am a very lazy cleaner too :-)
Sue, be happy that you are just in TWO minds about things. I keep telling my husband that I need the identical house FIVE times so that I may have five different versions of it!
ReplyDeleteOooh ... imagine owning a terrace of five new houses and being able to design them all differently. I need to win the lottery!!
DeleteThose two weeks are probably a good idea - two weeks to mull things over rather than making a snap decision.
ReplyDeleteYou are in for a wonderful adventure and I am sure whatever you chose will suit your two halves.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Fingers crossed, I hope so. xx
DeleteI understand how you feel as I can never make up my mind on decorating! I like different styles but they don't necessarily go together. The important thing is to have fun doing it!
ReplyDeleteDefinintely, fun is a major requirement of doing it. I do need to get it right though, as once it's done with me that is it, I don't see the need to redecorate every couple of years, I like things to stay the same once they are right.
DeleteI definitely like the rustic country cottage look the best. I love the idea of a plate rack as well. I used to have a plate rack in my old house all around the top of the living room and spent years collecting nice plates to go on it. I thought it looked lovely and I'd love another one. How exciting for you to be getting the keys in two weeks. I bet you can't wait and I am sure that whatever you choose will look lovely. I really liked your Welsh kitchen. Good luck with everything Sue and thanks for the update. Can't wait to have a nosy around your new home (hope you don't mind).
ReplyDeleteI once viewed a small terraced house with a plate shelf in every room, only the owner didn't display plates on them he had a collection of empty beer and cider bottles. My first thought as I stepped into the second room and realised that this went on and on was that I would have to hire a bottle bank to get rid of them all!!
DeleteYes, it all seems to have come at once. I have one final trip back to Wales and then we hand the keys in on Tuesday.
We had a plate rack like that, not near the sink and it worked out great. there was no lifting one plate to get to another as I didnt have a lot of cupboards or space, so no piling on top. Less breakages and pleasing to the eye
ReplyDeletep.s. the first one is my favourite as well
It's worth me thinking about having one if I do redo the kitchen for sure.
DeleteI don't understand why none of these kitchens have draining boards.
ReplyDeleteI want shelves instead of upper cupboards here. I love the plate slots. I would not need so many, but it does look very nice.
ReplyDelete